Highly Complete WW2 Royal Armoured Corps Military Training Pamphlet Set (No. 35, Part 7) 1940 1st Edition, 1942 Superseding Edition, PLUS Official 1941 & 1943 Amendments & Schematics
An exceptionally complete and research-grade pair of official British War Office publications detailing the BESA 7.92mm Medium Machine Gun used across WWII Allied tanks and armoured fighting vehicles.
This set offers a complete paper-trail of the weapon's wartime evolution from 1940 through 1943, featuring original library provenance, handwritten cross-references, inserted official amendments, and multiple fold-out technical schematics.
Detailed Inventory & Features: 1. 1940 Edition (May 1940) – BESA Mks I & II: Stamped with official "WAR OFFICE LIBRARY" stamps & security notice. Features original period handwritten note: "Superseded by 1942 ed". Includes original Amendments (No. 2) April 1941 slip laid inside. Complete with 3 fold-out component plates and 3 large fold-out technical action diagrams.
2. 1942 Edition (August 1942) – BESA Mks II, II, III, III & IV:** Explicitly printed on cover: "This pamphlet supersedes the 1940 edition". Notated at top left: "AMDT. NO. 1". Includes the official Amendments (No. 1) May 1943 pamphlet section bound/inserted opposite pages 10–13. Contemporary period pen cross-out markings ("DELETED - SEE OPPOSITE") showing active historical usage. Includes a large, clean fold-out schematic of the BESA M/G 7.92mm Mark II showing complete gun body, barrel, and receiver components.
Condition Report: Both volumes remain structurally sound with original binding staples intact. 1940 Vol: Cover shows expected age-toning and light edge wear; fold-out diagrams inside are in crisp, superb condition (plates show a minor trace of historical water marking on one fold line). 1942 Vol: Exceptionally well-preserved, clean paper, crisp fold-out schematic at rear, and well-executed contemporary pen cross-references.
A superior, highly detailed historical lot for collectors of WWII British Armour, Royal Armoured Corps history, or small arms literature.